Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech)

TL;DR

Engineering Lead - Optical Systems & Photonics Hardware (Healthtech): Leading the development of AI-powered optical platforms for personalized medicine with an accent on interdisciplinary hardware-software integration and regulatory compliance. Focus on building multidisciplinary teams, translating clinical needs into engineering solutions, and delivering robust diagnostics systems.

Location: Based in London, UK (Hybrid/Remote culture)

Company

hirify.global is an AI-powered deep-tech company developing a platform to democratize access to personalized medicine through a proprietary optical fingerprint library of disease biomarkers.

What you will do

• Provide technical direction and manage day-to-day engineering operations to align goals with company strategy and product roadmap.
• Assemble, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary group across hardware, software, optics/photonics, systems, and data.
• Act as the principal technical liaison with scientists and assay developers to translate biological needs into engineering solutions.
• Drive programs from concept to verification/validation, defining milestones and managing risks.
• Bridge UK and international sites to standardize practices and promote knowledge sharing.
• Ensure engineering practices support ISO 13485, ISO 15189, IVDR, and UKCA requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nanoscience, Biomedical, Optical, Electrical, Physics Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of experience leading engineering or product development, specifically in medical devices, diagnostics, or life-science instrumentation.
• Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.
• Deep expertise in optics/photonics and broad fluency across core engineering areas.
• Must be based in London to collaborate daily with local and international teams.
• Familiarity with ISO 13485, IVDR, and UKCA in product development.

Nice to have

• PhD in a relevant engineering or science discipline.
• Experience working in a startup environment, including navigating failure/recovery cycles.
• Exposure to AI/ML and ISO 15189 standards.

Culture & Benefits

• High-paced, flexible environment with adaptable working hours and a strong remote work culture.
• Private healthcare insurance for employees.
• Collaborative, low-ego culture driven by a "Be Kind" attitude and strong ownership.
• Stimulating startup atmosphere with weekly happy hours and free coffee/snacks.
• Opportunity to work with a world-class team on transformative healthcare technology.